YIELD AND ANTIOXIDANT DYNAMICS IN BROCCOLI (B. oleracea var. italica)

The field experiments were conducted to study yield and antioxidant dynamics in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under different nutrient management regimes which consist of Vermicompost (2t ha-1), FYM (5t ha-1), NPK (80:100:100 Kg ha-1), 50% NPK, 50% Vermicompost + FYM, 100% K, Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria. Observations were recorded on the different aspects of the plant like growth and development, yield and phytochemicals. Combined application of 50% NPK + 50% Vermicompost + FYM produced the highest broccoli yield (174.45 q ha-1). The number of leaves was not significantly affected by the application of different sources of nutrients. Head weight and chlorophyll content were higher when a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers was added. Taproot length was recorded maximum in the treatment combination of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. The highest ascorbic acid, β-carotene and total phenol content of the head were observed in the treatment combination of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers.